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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I remember asking Grad Rec specifically about this question at a Legal Cheek event. They said to include 5 or 6 items in response to that answer, write in prose and explain very clearly what you learned or enjoyed (whether through doing something or otherwise). Ideally, the firm should be of...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Merry Christmas everyone!
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Is Milbank Stage 1 automatic and how long does one have to complete it after submitting the application?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Test is automatic, I submitted my application last night and received an email for the test stating I have 4 calendar days to finish it but since I'm spending Christmas alone this year I might just do it tomorrow 😄
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Could anyone please confirm if Simmons Bristol VS has no app questions apart from those covering work exp/extra curriculars? I've been scouring the form for the last 20 minutes looking for any sign of any application questions but I'm coming up dry and feeling a bit suspicious.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think that it's okay to feel how you're feeling, and I also think that the fact that you're here asking for advice shows that you really want this, a career in law, in which case, it's really important to not give up. It's not the end of the world if you can't land a TC now, and you clearly...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I actually felt like MB amberjack was much easier than Weil's. I kinda wanna find other firms using Amberjack so I can trial and error my way to higher scores now lmao
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Does anyone know if the W&C VI is a later stage separate from the Cappfinity assessment or included in it?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    White & Case work experience doesn't say anything about chronological or reverse chronological order 👀 Should I gamble and just put stuff in without ordering them?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Definitely approve of the idea! I'm in a similar boat here but some very empathetic friends even though they don't really understand why or how it's so much more tedious and difficult in law so that at least helps a little! Also just wanted to chime in on the "imma be honest" posts, they've...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think at some point you just expect that you gotta just bite down and do it. All you can really do is be prepared with points about why the firm, why law, why you (each competency I guess), and probably a couple of commercial issues relating to the firm. You've got this, good luck!
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Is it possible to share exactly which firm it is? Otherwise, I think that if it's a US firm, can match MC pay, and is ranked pretty well, it should be a pretty good springboard into just about any firm in the City. Of course, this is just speculation on my part, though, but I wouldn't worry...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I managed three, not sure I'll finish the full four more apps before Christmas after all 😅 Hopefully it'll be alright though and everything will be seen come the 27th (that one random half week of work that typically exists between Christmas and New Year's) Also finished the Mayer Brown SJT...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I haven't heard back, fearing the worst but still hoping for the best 🙏
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    The wording on their application process suggests that it's not automatic, so well done with your application! Good luck with the VI!
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    About to submit Sidley and I got jumpscared by an extra question about extra curriculars in the Work Experience section so I guess it's back to drafting for a couple hours 😭
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think that they could potentially see that you've got a physical health issue in the recording itself, but I would email anyway and I think someone (I think it was Andrei) mentioned how in a similar situation, you can do the VI anyway (if the deadline is really soon) and GR will still see the...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Literally the exact same, Grad Rec are going ham liking/commenting on every one of these posts and the algorithm's pushing it. I was just thinking of you when I saw it and hoping you weren't scrolling LinkedIn 😭 Doesn't help that I mainly scroll LinkedIn for deals and commercial news, which...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Honestly it depends on the firm you're interested in and their strengths. I've talked about patent cliffs and tariffs on pharma re life sciences, interest rates re M&A, capital requirements/private credit re PE (specifically if private credit is part of the firm's offering, they're really just...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Honestly, at the end of the day, no one really knows why anyone gets rejected at any stage except for the specific person/people who make the final decision to reject at that stage i.e. Grad Rec/Partners depending on the stage (as far as I'm aware)

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